To celebrate 150 years since the first ever telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell, SaveAs Writers invite you to submit poetry or short stories with this theme: 'Lines of Communication'.
     Methods of communication have developed rapidly since that first phone call in 1876. Therefore, the theme can be interpreted widely. Submissions might focus on communication in relationships • in the age of the Internet, the mobile phone and AI • between human beings and aliens or robots • between nations or different cultures.
What are the limits and difficulties of communication? Perhaps you want to explore if better communication means better understanding. Or if it is always used for the best reasons. These are just some of the possibilities.

     Go ahead and communicate your creative ideas by submitting to the competition. We welcome national and international entries. Good luck! 

Prizes

Poetry: The Canterbury Christ Church University Poetry Prize
First: £200 Second: £100 Third: £50
Judged by Derek Sellen and Mary Anne Smith Sellen
Prose: The Canterbury Festival Fiction Prize sponsored by Canterbury Festival
First: £200 Second: £100 Third: £50 Judged by Emma May Cruickshank

DEADLINE: 30 September 2026